Bit



March 12, 1940.

C. M. FRYER BIT Filed April 3, 1939 Patented Mar. 12, 1940 UNITED STATES mail FATE r rrics 17 Claims.

My invention relates to animal bits, and more particularly to loose jaw riding curb bits adapted for horses which are trained for neck reining.

Bits of this character comprise a mouth piece adapted to extend through the horses mouth and cheek pieces extending transversely of and connected to the mouthpiece. They are usually employed in a bridle comprising a head stall strap connected to the upper ends of the cheek pieces and by which the bit is held on the horses head, a curb strap also connected to .the upper ends of the cheek pieces and passing under the chin of the horse, and reins connected to the lower ends .of the cheek pieces. A straigh backward 16 Pull on the reins causes the parts of the cheek pieces below the mouth piece to move backwardly and the parts above the mouth piece to move forwardly about the mouth piece axis. as a pivot, resulting in application of pressure through the 20 curb strap; such movement being employed-by the rider when it is desired to .check or"takeup on the horse. f

A properly trained neck rein horse will be led or guided to either side merely by contact of 25 either lead of the reins on the associated side of the horses neck; and when this is done, it is undesirable for movement to be transmitted through the cheek pieces and the mouth piece to the curb strap because the resulting pull on the 39 curb strap might cause the horse to act improperly. Furthermore, the natural movements of the horses head when being ridden cause motion to be imparted to the head stall, and to the reins which also may swing independently of such 5 movements, and since these parts are connected to the cheek pieces, such motion would be transmitted to the mouth piece and the curb strap were the cheek pieces rigid with the mouth piece, which is undesirable for the reason stated.

40 To preclude the curb strap from being pulled as a result of swinging of the reins, the natural motion of the horses head, or when the horse is led or guided by movement of the reins, loose jaw bits are commonly employed; a loose jaw 45 bit being one in which the cheek pieces are movably connected to the mouth piece. If the movable connections of the cheek pieces on the mouth piece are of a universal character, each of the cheek pieces can move relative to the mouth piece 50 in a plurality of planes and will thus yield or the lips or other delicate mouth membranes of the horse. .In some prior constructions with which I am familiar, although such pinching is obviated, universal connections are not employed.

Consequently, thecheek pieces cannot move free- 5; l

provide for limited universal movement in all directions. However, all horses should not have bits in which the limitations of such universal movement are the same. Theproper extent to which such movement should be limited depends upon the horses age, training, temperament, and

sensitivity of its mouth. In prior bits with which I am familianhaving universal connections for the cheek pieces, although the universal movement is limited,pthe limitations cannot be ad.

justed to suit different horses, or to provide for changing conditions in the horses mouth as it grows, or changes in the horses temperament, This is objectionable sinceone must buy a com plete new bit when it is desired to meet such changed conditions.

-My invention is designed to overcome the above. described problems with respect to loose jaw riding curb bits, and'has as its objects, among others, the provision of an improved loose jaw riding bit in which: the cheek pieces are uni- Versally connected to the mouth piece by means which preclude pinching of. mouth membrances; such imovable connections are associated with independent motion limiting means so located as to be incapable of pinching mouth membranes; the motion limiting means may be readily adjusted to limit variably the extent of the movements, thereby renderin it unnecessary topurchase a new bit each time a change is desired; and whichis 'of simple and economical construction rendering the bit relatively inexpensive, and composed of parts that may be readily assembled or detached thus'rendering facile replacement of i any of the parts thereof by a new part when this is desired. Other objects of the invention will. become apparent from a perusal of .the following description thereof.

In general, the bit of my invention comprises a mouth piece the body portion of which is of any conventional constructiom and cheek pieces 55 universally connected to the ends of the mouth piece through universal ball and socket joints. Each of such joints comprises a ball portion at the end of the mouth piece adapted to engage in a socket portion of complementary curvature formed in the cheek piece. Means capable of adjustment, is provided to restrict or limit the action of each universal joint, comprising a portion on the mouth piece which is non-circular in cross-section and which is adapted to extend into a similarly shaped hole formed in a member of the cheek piece which is detachably mounted and may also serve as a retaining part for the mouth piece.

The limits of the universal movement are determined by the amount of play which the hole permits; and by employing a selected one of motion limiting parts which have various size holes, such play may be predetermined, thus enabling adjustment of the amount of universal movement to suit conditions, The described motion limiting means although associated with each universal connection is independent thereof; being located outwardly of the inner face or side of the cheek piece. Consequently it cannot pinch mouth membranes; and because of the ball and socket character of each universal connection in which the parts have a relatively close fit, mouth membranes cannot be pinched thereby. Preferably, the main parts of the cheek piece are formed of metal stampings, as the structures thereof lend themselves to this type of manufacture,-thus providing a relatively light structure which is not uncomfortable, and which at the same time can be commercially manufactured with economy. However, such parts may be die formed if so desired, or made in any other suitable manner.

Reference is now made to the drawing for a more detailed description of the invention, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form of the bit of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a View substantially similar to Fig. l, omitting the detachably mounted mouth piece rection of arrow 3 in Fig. 2, parts being shown in section to illustrate the construction.

Fig. i is a fragmentary section taken in a plane indicated by line ie-4 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view illustrating application of the bit on a horse.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of a modified form of construction.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation lookingin the direction of arrow 7 in Fig, 6, with a portion of the detachable mouth piece retaining member omitted. from the view to illustrate the construction.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of a further modified form of construction. I

In the modification of Figs. 1 through 5, the bit comprises a mouth piece 0 of suitable material, the body portion of which may be of any conventional or suitable construction usually employed on loose jaw riding curb bits of the character to which my invention relates; the construction chosen for purposes of illustration haw ing cricket roller 2 journaled thereon. Adjacent each end thereof, the mouth piece is formed with a ball portion it of substantially spherical, curvature, the diameter of which is greater than that of the body portion of the mouth piece. and with an end projection or portion d which is non-circular in cross section. Preferably such sectionis socket portion l2.

rectangular in shape, although such shape may be triangular or in the form of any other polygon.

Each ball portion 3 fits relatively closely within a socket 6 of complementary curvature formed in a check piece l, to provide a universal connection therewith. Both of the cheek pieces I are of identical construction; hence a description of one will suifice. The cheek piece comprises a fiat main part 8 which for economy of manufacture may be formed of a metal stamping, and which has an elongated slot or aperture formed therein provided with a part 8 large enough to receive ball portion 3 when projected therethrough, and a narrower part II communicating with part 9 and which is large enough to allow passage of the body portion of the mouth piece but insuflicient to allow pasage of enlarged ball portion 3. Part ll also comunicates with a socket portion l2 on main part 8 of the cheek piece, formed in an arcuately shaped lip which projects from the inner side of the main part. The described arrangement permits ready assembly of the mouth piece merely by insertion of the ball portion 3 through slot part 9, and movement of the body portion of the mouth piece through narrow slot part i B, after which the mouth piece may be moved endwise to cause the ball portion to seat within W'hen so seated, the ball portion cannot fall through slot part II because of the smaller size of the latter.

The cheek piece also includes a detachably mounted mouth piece retaining member it which may be also, formed of a metal stamping, and which cooperates with mouth piece projection 4 to form part of the means for restricting or limiting the universal movement between the mouth piece and the cheek piece. Such retraining member has socket portion i l, and non-circular hole it in the form of an aperture into which projection 4 is adapted to extend, and which is of the same shape as the section of projection 4 but of larger size. Upon mounting of retaining member l3 on the main cheek piece part 8, by means of screws ll, socket portion l4 cooperates with socket portion l2 to form the complete socket 6 and hold the ball portion 3 in position; and non-circular hole 56 coperates with projection 4 to limit the universal movement obtainable through the ball and socket connection. The outer face of retaining member l3 may be provided with any suitable ornamentation if so desired; and, preferably, the parts of the cheek piece are chromium or nickel plated.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be noted that the motion limiting means is independent of the ball and socket joint, being located outwardly of the inner face or side of the cheek piece, thus precluding pinching of mouth membranes. Such arrangement will perform this important function with any other form ofmovable connection between the mouth piece and the cheek piece. The universal ball and socket connection even though adjacent the horses mouth, will not pinch mouth membranes because the exposed end of the arcuate lip which forms the socket portion H2 is beveled, and a part E8 of ball portion 3 adjacent the inner side of the cheek piece is always expose-:1 to mouth membranes. As a result a smooth surface is presented, over which mouth membranes canslide gently without becoming caught; the exposed part ill of ball portion 3 serving as a deflecting shield against possible entrance of mouth membranes between socket 6 and ball portion 3. Furthermore, the universal joint or connection which the ball and socket connecthe bit on a horse.

tion forms, has a relatively close fit between the journalled member which is the ball 3- of mouth piece I and the journal which is the socket 6. Hence, even though such parts are capable of universal relative movement so as to allow the cheeck piece 1 to move relative to mouth piece I in a plurality of planes, the relatively close fit precludes entry of mouth membranes between such parts to thereby cooperate in preventing cular hole IS in cooperation with non-circular mouth piece portion 4. This is so because retaining members may be provided with holes of various sizes, to permitone to choose the desired size to suit the particular condition or horse for which the bit is intended, as was explained above. Such adjustment may be made without buying a complete new bit, as the manufacturer may provide the various retaining mem bers for sale. Also, the adjustment may be obtained by reversing the procedure, namely providing end projections 4 of various sectional sizes, although for reasons of economy, this may not be so desirable. Furthermore, one may enlarge the holes in the retaining members supplied originally or make smaller the sections of portions 4, merely by filing, if this is desired, which permits of an adjustment increasing the extent of movement of the cheek pieces. It is to be noted that each dimension of the rectangu lar non-circular hole is or the section of cooperating mouth piece portion. 4 provides a separate adjustment in that either of such parts when made longer or shorter in one direction imposes a different limitation on the universal movement than when. lengthened or shortened in the other direction, thus enabling one to control readily the limits of oscillatory movement of the cheek piece in a vertical plane about the mouth piece axis as a pivot, as well as the limits of oscillatory movement transversely of such plane.

Fig. 5 illustrates a conventional way of attach- For this purpose the upper ends of the cheek pieces which extend transversely past the mouth piece beyond opposite sides thereof. are formed with apertures 28 for connection of the head stall straps 2!; and in which curb strap 22 is also attached, the latter strap passing under the horses chin to apply pressure thereto when the reins 23 connected to the lower ends of the cheek pieces are pulled backwardly by the rider to thus cause the cheek pieces to act as levers pivoting about the mouth piece as a fulcrum. The reins are usually connected to the bit by means of rein chains 24 which are attached to hooks 25 having swivel mountings in the lower ends of the cheek pieces.

Figs. 6 and 7 illus rate a modified construction, the same in principle as that previously described, but which may be desirable because it facilitates manufacture of the ball portion 33, and the noncircular projection or portion 34 onthe mouth piece. In this construction, such ball portion 33 has an inner spherical segment 36 adapted to engage in socket portion 31 on main cheek piece part 38, and an outer spherical segment 39 formed directly on the end surface of the mouth piece;-

metal stampings.

circular portion 53. M are preferably provided with lips or flanges r B6 to insure sufficient bearing surface for coopfacture.

both of such segments having the same center C. Segment 39 is adapted to engage in complementary curved socket portion 4! on the inside face of retaining member 42 which is detachably mounted on the main cheek piece part'38 in the same manner as retaining member l3.

Socket portion 4! closes a hole 43 which is in the form of a recess non-circular in cross-section, and of a shape complementary to thatv of the cross-section of projection 34. The dimensions of hole 43 may vary to provide the results previously described. As with respect to the first modification, both the retaining member 42 and the main cheek piece part 38 may be made of and .7 may be more economically manufactured The construction of Figs. 6

because it is quicker and easier to form first a complete ball on the end of the mouth piece, and then remove material to form the non-circular projection 34, leaving spherical segment 39 at the end 01' the mouth piece. I I

A further modification is disclosed in Fig. 8, which is also thesame in principleas those previously described but which may be preferred because the construction thereof lends itself to greater economy of manufacture. Such. construction comprises ball portion 5| at the end of mouth piece body 52, and'non-circular portion 33 formed directly on the-ball portion. This may be conveniently and economicallydone by first forming the mouth piece with a complete ball at the end, and then removing material from such ball to form the non-circular portion 53, leaving the outer spherical segment 54 directly at the end of the mouthpiece, and the inner spheri- "cal segment 55 adjacent the body of the mouth piece. Segment 56 engages in socket portion 51 on main cheek piece part 58, and segment 5 engages in socket portion 59 formed on the inside face of retaining member (5| which is detachably mounted on the main cheek piece part 58 by screws 62.

A plate member piece and through which screws 62 pass is de tachably held between the main cheek piece part 53 and the part 6!, and is formed with a noncircular hole E4 of ashape complementary to but larger than that of the cross-section of non- The edges aboutlsuch hole eration with noncircular portion 53 on the mouth piece, but the lips may not be necessary if the plate 63 is sufiiciently thick. The dimensions of hole M may vary to provide the results previously described; and the previously described adjustment may be conveniently made by removing the parts 6! and 63, substituting a different part 63 having a different size hole M for the removed part 53, and then reassembling such parts infthe manner already described. As is the case with respect to the prior modifications, the motion limiting means including non-circular portion 53 and member 63, is located outwardly of the inner face of the cheek piece, thereby precluding pinching of mouth membranes;

All of the cheek piece parts 58, 6B and 33 can be very readily and economically made of metal stampings; and because of the independent motion limiting part, 63, a non circular hole need 63 forming part of the check not be formed in part 6 l, which facilitates manu- Also, it will be noted that the independent motion limiting part 63 permits placing of the motion limiting hole 54 close to the outside face of main cheek piece part 58, to thus locatethe motion limiting means close to socket portion 5i. This arrangement is. desirable as it obviates the need of an exact fit between spherical segment 54 and socket portion 59 in member 61, thus resulting in further economy of manufacture. Hence, member 61 or an equivalent member need only be utilized in this construction to bear against the adjacent end of the mouth piece to hold it in position.

I claim:

1. A loose jaw curb bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece extending beyond opposite sides of said mouth piece to act as a lever with said mouth piece as afulcrum for transmitting a pull to a curb strap attachable thereto, and a universal joint connection between said mouth piece and said cheek piece constructed to preclude pinching of mouth membranes and providing for relative movement between said mouth piece and said cheek piece in a plurality of planes.

2. A loose jaw curb bit comprising a mouth piece, a check piece extending beyond opposite sides of said mouth piece to act as a lever with said mouth piece as a fulcrum for transmitting a pull to a curb strap attachable thereto, a universal joint connection between said mouth piece and said cheek piece constructed to preclude pinching of mouth membranes and providing for relative movement between said mouth piece and said cheek piece in a plurality of planes, and means for limiting the universal movement.

3. A bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece, and a ball and socket connection between said mouth piece and said cheek piece.

4. A bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece, a ball and socket connection between said mouth piece and said cheek piece allowing universal movement therebetween, and means associated with said connection for limiting such movement.

5. A loose jaw curb bit comprising a mouth piece; a cheek piece extending beyond opposite sides of said mouth piece to act as a lever with said mouth piece as a fulcrum for transmitting a pull to a curb strap attachable thereto; a. uni versal joint connection between said mouth piece and said cheek piece providing'for relative movement between said mouth piece and said cheek piece in a plurality of planes; and means located outwardly of the inner face of said check piece,

to thereby preclude pinching of mouth membranes, for limiting the universal movement.

6. A loose jaw curb bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece extending beyond opposite sides of said mouth piece to act as a lever with said mouth piece as a fulcrum for transmitting a pull to a curb strap attachable thereto, means for universally connecting said mouth piece to said cheek piece to provide for relative movement between said mouth piece and said cheek piece in a plurality of planes, and means independent of said connecting means for limiting such move ment.

'7. A loose jaw curb bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece extending beyond opposite sides of said mouth piece to act as a lever with said mouth piece as a fulcrum for transmitting a a pull to a curb strap attachable thereto, means for universally connecting said mouth piece to said cheek piece to provide for relative movement between said mouth piece and said cheek piece in a plurality of planes, and means located outwardly of the inner face of said cheek piece for limiting such movement.

8. A bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece having a ball and socket connection with said mouth piece allowing universal movement therebetween, and means for limiting such movement including a non-circular portion on one of said pieces extending into a hole in the other of said pieces.

9. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion, and a non-circular portion; and a cheek piece having a socket portion to provide a universal connection with said ball portion, and a non-circular hole of a shape complementary to but larger than said non-circular portion and into which said non-circular portion extends.

10. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion, and a non-circular portion; and a check piece including a main part having a socket portion of substantially the same curvature as said ball portion, and a second part detachably mounted on said main part and also having a socket portion of substantially the same curvature as said ball portion, said second part being provided with a non-circular hole of a shape complementary to but of larger predetermined size than that of said non-circular portion and into which said non-circular portion extends.

11. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion; and a cheek piece including a main part provided with a socket portion in. which said ball portion engages, and a second part mounted on said main part also provided with a socket portion in which said ball portion engages.

12. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion, and a non-circular portion; and a check piece including a main part formed of a metal stamping having an arcuate lip provided with a socket portion of substantially the same curvature as said ball portion and in which said ball portion engages, and a member mounted on said main part and engaging an end of said mouth piece to retain it in position, said cheek piece having a non-circularv hole of a shape complementary to but larger than that of said noncircular portion and into which said non-circular portion extends.

13. A loose jaw curb bit comprising a mouth piece, a cheek piece extending beyond opposite sides of said mouth piece to act as a lever with said mouth piece as a fulcrum for transmitting a pull to a curb strap attachable thereto, means for universally connecting said mouth piece and said cheek piece to provide for relative movement between said mouth piece and said cheek piece in a plurality of planes, and means for limiting such movement comprising a non-circular portion on said mouth piece adapted to engage in a non-circular hole of predetermined size formed in a member adapted for detachable mounting on said bit, said bit being capable of having mounted thereon any one or" a plurality of said members having different size holes whereby a structure obtains enabling adjustment of the extent of limitation of such movement.

14. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion, and a check piece adapted for detachable universal connection on said mouth piece including a part having a slot large enough to receive said ball portion when projected therethrough and a socket portion communicating with said slot.

15. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion adjacent an end thereof of larger diameter than the body of said mouth piece; and a cheek piece adapted for detachable universal connection on said mouth piece including when projected therethrough, and a narrower part communicating with said ball portion receiving part and with said socket portion, said narrower part being large enough toallow passage of the body portion of themouth bit therethrough but insufiiciently large for passage of said ball portion;

16. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion, and a non-circular portion; and a cheek piece including a main part having a socket portion in which said ball portion engagesto provide a universal connection with said mouth piece, a member bearing against an end of said mouth piece to retain, it in position, and another said non-circular portion engages for limiting the universal movement. v

17. A bit comprising a mouth piece having a ball portion, and a. non-circular portion; and a cheek piece including a main part having a socket portion in which said ball portion engages to provide a universal connection with said mouth piece, and a member detachably mounted on the outer face of said main part and having a non-circular hole in which said'non-circular portion engages for limiting the universal movement. I =CHARLES M. FRYER.

member mounted on the outer face of said main part and having anon-circular hole in which 

